10 Best True Crime Documentaries on Netflix Philippines 2026 | Murdaugh Murders, Girl in the Picture, and More
True crime documentaries have recently grown in popularity as everyone tries to find ways to keep themselves entertained. Some of these documentaries have become social media sensations, capturing the interest and curiosity of many people. From kidnappings to bank heists and murder cases, they'll surely keep you glued to your screen.
With their plot twists and mysteries, viewers can stay fully engaged as they try to seek answers and unravel the shocking truth themselves while watching. If you're looking for binge-worthy true crime documentary movies and series, then you've come to the right place. We've provided a viewer's guide and a list of the 10 best true crime documentaries that you can watch on Netflix right away.
Quick List - Top True Crime Documentaries on Netflix
All3Media America, Main Event Media, Top Knot Films
Follows the Search to Uncover a Woman's True Identity
Saison Des Femmes Entertainment, Yamini Pictures
The Eerie Demise of an Entire Delhi Family
Jonina is a re-editor who joined the mybest PH team in September 2022. She is interested in writing about anything home-related, especially kitchen equipment and supplies. In her spare time, she likes to bake, read horror books, and watch rom-coms.
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How to Choose a True Crime Documentary on Netflix - Viewer's Guide
With many true crime documentaries available on Netflix, it might be hard to choose what to watch. To help you find a captivating and intriguing documentary, below are some of the points you need to consider.
Choose a Topic or Category According to Your Preference
True crime documentaries come in different topics or categories. To keep yourself intrigued and hooked on a documentary you're about to watch, choose one that catches your interest. Most of them feature stories of serial killers and their victims. A lot of people are fascinated by this kind of true crime documentary, as it gives us a peek into the minds of psychopaths and killers.
Aside from being about murder or violence, they can also give you an insight into a country's justice and prison system. But if you'd rather channel your inner detective, then watching documentaries about human traffickers or investigations or raids of illegal drug dealers and users is a good choice.
Form Your Own Theories With Unsolved True Crime Documentaries
While most true crime documentaries on Netflix show the whole story—what happened from the very start up until the end—some documentaries feature crimes that remain unsolved up to this day. One great example of this is the documentary Cold Case Files. It's about detectives revisiting long-standing cases that involve different unsolved murder cases.
They might not be everybody's cup of tea, but the bone-chilling and thrilling experience they offer will keep the audience engaged and mystery lovers intrigued. What's great about them is that these shows open up the possibility of cold cases getting solved through the help of viewers who look for clues and present theories online or in real life.
Decide Whether to Watch a Documentary Movie or Docuseries
Documentary movies and docuseries are almost similar to each other. However, the two differ in settings and runtime or duration. Read further to know which type of documentary fits your lifestyle.
Documentary Movies Are Fast-Paced and Shorter
If you want to watch a change from crime fiction movies, watching documentary movies is a great choice. They're perfect for busy people as they only take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish. What's great about them is that you won't have to wait long or spend a lot of time if you want to know the conclusion right away.
Most of them don't have any dry, dull, or boring scenes, so they'll surely keep you on the edge of your seat. Although they're fast-paced, they're still intriguing and provide an exciting experience, as they allow you to think of possibilities and follow clues as events go on.
Docuseries Are More Detailed and Broken Down Into Episodes
Docuseries are perfect if you've got plenty of time to spend on binge-watching. They cover a large topic, so they come with two or more episodes to dive into details or subplots. To tell a compelling story well, they feature a lot of characters, clips, and interviews that will trigger the audience's interest even more.
However, not everyone has the time or the patience to watch through several episodes to find out the conclusion. Still, most of them are worth giving a shot, as they also have powerful, interesting, and thought-provoking content that is just as good as that of documentary movies. You might even find yourself developing an emotional connection with the characters as you go through its episodes!
Read Its Synopsis and Reviews or Watch Trailers Online
You don't want to waste time and leave a documentary without finishing it. To know if it's worth your time and attention, search and read its synopsis on film websites like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and others. This allows you to have a gist of a docu's story or plot without coming across spoilers.
If you're not satisfied with its synopsis, you can search for reviews online. These contain a summary, analysis, critiques, and opinions from the audience. However, keep in mind that some reviews might be too detailed, so pay attention and look for spoiler warnings before reading them. You can also watch trailers on YouTube to get a sneak peek of a documentary.
10 Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch on Netflix
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Category | Duration | Directed By | |||||
1 | The Cinemart Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal | | An Exposé of a Prominent Family's Dark Secrets | Docuseries | Investigative, Emotional | 3 Episodes (42–51 Minutes Each) | Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason | |
2 | All3Media America, Main Event Media, Top Knot Films Girl in the Picture | | Follows the Search to Uncover a Woman's True Identity | Documentary Film | Investigative, Mystery | 1 hr and 42 min | Skye Borgman | |
3 | Saison Des Femmes Entertainment, Yamini Pictures House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths | | The Eerie Demise of an Entire Delhi Family | Docuseries | Investigative, Dark | 3 Episodes (43-48 Minutes Each) | Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra | |
4 | Blumhouse Television Our Father | | Uncovers a Fertility Specialist's Grave Wrongdoings | Documentary Film | Investigative | 1 hr and 37 min | Lucie Jourdan | |
5 | RAW Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer | | Delves Into the Good and the Bad of Vigilantism | Docuseries | Controversial | 3 Episodes (57-66 Minutes Each) | Mark Lewis | |
6 | Sandpaper Films, Fifty Fifty Post Capturing the Killer Nurse | | The Prolific Crimes of a Killer Nurse | Documentary Film | Investigative, Suspenseful | 1 hr and 35 min | Tim Travers Hawkins | |
7 | Center for Investigative Reporting Studios, Motto Pictures Victim/Suspect | | Reveals the System of Rape Culture in Police Investigations | Documentary Film | Investigative | 1 hr and 35 min | Nancy Schwartzman | |
8 | Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal | | A Deep Dive Into the Workings of South Korean Cults | Docuseries | Investigative | 8 Episodes (39-71 Minutes Each) | Jo Seong-hyeon | |
9 | WAG Entertainment Don't Pick Up the Phone | | A Look Into the Calls That Terrorized Service Staff Across America | Docuseries | Investigative | 3 Episodes (42-57 Minutes Each) | Sara Mast | |
10 | 21 Laps Entertainment, Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, Inexplicable Pictures Unsolved Mysteries | | An Anthology of Unresolved Cases | Docuseries | Investigative | 3 Seasons (36-54 Minutes Each Episode) | Terry Dunn Meurer (Executive Producer) | |
An Exposé of a Prominent Family's Dark Secrets
As you watch the three episodes, the Murdaughs' corruption, abuse of authority, and cover-ups come to light. And it also becomes apparent which among them is the most guilty. With accounts from the families of the deceased and those close to the Murdaugh family, it is a must-watch for any true crime enthusiast!
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative, Emotional |
| Duration | 3 Episodes (42–51 Minutes Each) |
| Directed By | Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason |
Follows the Search to Uncover a Woman's True Identity
This documentary was created by acclaimed director Skye Borgman, who also made the true-crime film Abducted in Plain Sight. In this two-hour film, you'll watch years of work unraveling a decades-long mystery, eventually bringing the young mother and her son to justice. Go see it to piece together what transpired through interviews with the investigators as well as the victim's family and friends!
| Type | Documentary Film |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative, Mystery |
| Duration | 1 hr and 42 min |
| Directed By | Skye Borgman |
Saison Des Femmes Entertainment, Yamini PicturesHouse of Secrets: The Burari Deaths
The Eerie Demise of an Entire Delhi Family
If you're looking for a true crime tale with occult and paranormal undertones, this documentary is undoubtedly a must-see. It also discusses familial trauma and mental health, which are pertinent topics in today's culture. Add this to your binge-watch list for a surprising story that will have you pondering for days!
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative, Dark |
| Duration | 3 Episodes (43-48 Minutes Each) |
| Directed By | Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra |
Uncovers a Fertility Specialist's Grave Wrongdoings
The greatest aspect of this film is that it puts the spotlight on the victims rather than the offender. It also calls into question whether the doctor can be made to answer for his deeds and if the victims can receive any justice. Discover the real parentage of Jacoba and her half-siblings by checking it out on Netflix!
| Type | Documentary Film |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative |
| Duration | 1 hr and 37 min |
| Directed By | Lucie Jourdan |
Delves Into the Good and the Bad of Vigilantism
Although deemed controversial for how it depicted the events, this docuseries won Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program at the 2020 Emmys. It also highlights the consequences of vigilantism in addition to addressing the issue of whether the means justify the end. You'll be hooked by this story's twists and turns until the very last part!
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Controversial |
| Duration | 3 Episodes (57-66 Minutes Each) |
| Directed By | Mark Lewis |
The Prolific Crimes of a Killer Nurse
This film highlights the relentless efforts of police investigators and fellow nurse Amy Loughren to end Cullen's killing streak. It also exposes the complicit behavior of hospital administrators and the failure of the healthcare system to safeguard its patients. Watch to hear from the heroes of this story, namely Loughren and the detectives!
| Type | Documentary Film |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative, Suspenseful |
| Duration | 1 hr and 35 min |
| Directed By | Tim Travers Hawkins |
Reveals the System of Rape Culture in Police Investigations
The film chronicles reporter Rachel de Leon's in-depth investigations into these events. It also features the viewpoints of young women who deserve justice after being mistreated by the police. You'll be left wondering who the public can turn to if the cops stand by the offenders.
| Type | Documentary Film |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative |
| Duration | 1 hr and 35 min |
| Directed By | Nancy Schwartzman |
A Deep Dive Into the Workings of South Korean Cults
There have been instances of sexual assault, child abuse, and even murder that have gone unreported under the guise of religion. This six-part documentary explores those cases and more, making it a must-view. Watch this to dive deep into the inner workings of these South Korean cults!
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative |
| Duration | 8 Episodes (39-71 Minutes Each) |
| Directed By | Jo Seong-hyeon |
A Look Into the Calls That Terrorized Service Staff Across America
When you watch this three-part documentary, you'll be perplexed about why the persons involved behaved the way they did. Overall, this show poses the question of how far one will submit to someone else's authority.
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative |
| Duration | 3 Episodes (42-57 Minutes Each) |
| Directed By | Sara Mast |
21 Laps Entertainment, Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, Inexplicable PicturesUnsolved Mysteries
An Anthology of Unresolved Cases
Each episode focuses on a different mystery, such as puzzling disappearances, mysterious deaths, or even otherworldly occurrences. In fact, the case involving Kayla Abenhaun's abduction from episode 9 of volume three has finally been resolved. With such a wide variety of crime genres in one show, it's worth watching!
| Type | Docuseries |
|---|---|
| Category | Investigative |
| Duration | 3 Seasons (36-54 Minutes Each Episode) |
| Directed By | Terry Dunn Meurer (Executive Producer) |
More Spine-Tingling Movies and Series to Binge-Watch on Netflix
You might feel like you've watched every single film that Netflix has to offer, but there are many more options out there. Check out our other articles on different shows and movies that will make you keep the lights on at night!
How We Chose and Ranked Our Recommendations
Our viewer's guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the viewer's guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the documentary recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from Netflix.
Top 5 True Crime Documentaries on Netflix
No. 1: The Cinemart｜Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
No. 2: All3Media America, Main Event Media, Top Knot Films｜Girl in the Picture
No. 3: Saison Des Femmes Entertainment, Yamini Pictures｜House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths
No. 4: Blumhouse Television｜Our Father
No. 5: RAW｜Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.